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‘That’s when I realised I loved you. I was terrified, Olivia, of losing you. Terrified, selfishly, for myself and the pain I would feel. That’s why I started to keep my distance, because I was a coward.’ He shook his head, his features pinched with regret. ‘But I realised—and Princess Halina helped me—that I didn’t want to be that kind of coward. Loving you has brought out the best in me, and I want to be the kind of man who loves. Who isn’t afraid to love. And I love you, quite desperately. Very deeply. But...’ His gaze was steady on her, a shadow of vulnerability in his mossy eyes. ‘The question is, do you love me? Will you remain as my wife, Olivia, and as my Queen?’
Olivia took a deep breath, trying to sift through all her emotions. She drew another breath and her face crumpled.
‘Olivia!’ Zayed exclaimed, her name torn from his lips, then she was in his arms, her face buried in his shoulder, his hands stroking her hair. ‘Habibi, I’m so sorry for hurting you. I wanted to give you your freedom, but perhaps I should have come sooner.’
‘No.’ Olivia took several gulping breaths before she felt able to continue. ‘No, it’s just...I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. And I love you so much, Zayed. It felt as if it was tearing me apart.’
‘I know how that feels, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But we are together now, Olivia, and I promise you, I swear on my life, I will never hurt you. That is my solemn vow.’
Olivia let out a little gurgle of tearful laughter as she eased away from him. ‘Do you know, that was the first thing you said to me when you came through the window? That you wouldn’t hurt me, and it was your solemn vow.’
‘And I’m sorry for the times I did hurt you,’ Zayed said seriously. ‘Emotionally.’
‘Oh, Zayed...’
‘I meant it then and I mean it even more now,’ Zayed told her. ‘I love you with my life, Olivia, my soul. I want you by my side, in my bed, hand in hand through everything.’
‘I want that too,’ Olivia whispered, her eyes shining with tears of pure happiness. ‘So much.’
A smile of both relief and joy split Zayed’s face and he drew her towards him for a deep and lingering kiss.
‘Then I am the happiest man on earth right now.’
‘And I,’ Olivia answered, kissing him back, ‘am the happiest woman.’
Three months later
Bells rang throughout the capital city of Arjah in celebration of the wedding of Kalidar’s new King and Queen. Zayed listened to the joyful peals and felt happiness swell in his heart. He could not ask for more from his people, from his country, from his wife.
He turned to Olivia, dressed in a white lace dress and veil, her dark hair pulled back in a low chignon. She looked radiant, her eyes sparkling with happiness, her mouth curved
with laughter.
‘At least I understood that ceremony,’ she teased as she came towards him.
Zayed grinned back at her. ‘It was only a blessing, rather than a proper marriage. We can’t be married twice.’
‘Once is enough for me.’ She took his hand and laid her head against his shoulder. ‘I couldn’t ask for more.’
‘I was thinking the same thing.’
The last three months of peace and prosperity in Kalidar had brought Zayed immense satisfaction. Leaders around the world had offered their support, and he’d slowly but surely set about righting ten years of wrongs, building up his city and his people. His father, his family, would have been proud, he hoped. He felt a peace deep inside him that had been absent this long decade; their memories had been honoured, their deaths avenged.
Below them, in the courtyard in front of the palace, a cry rose up.
‘I think they want us to go out on the balcony,’ Olivia said with a smile.
‘Then so we must.’ Drawing her by the hand, Zayed stepped out onto the balcony with his bride. The cheers were deafening as the people filling the square called out their approval. Zayed glanced at Olivia and saw the love that suffused her face, felt its answer in himself. No, he could not ask for more. He had absolutely everything he wanted in the woman by his side.
Zayed and Olivia waved at the crowd, both of them smiling, their hearts full of happiness as they gazed out at their shining city.
* * * * *
Coming next month
KIDNAPPED FOR HIS ROYAL DUTY
Jane Porter
